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September 18, 2024
By Celeste Krewson, Assistant Editor
Joshua Fitch, Senior Editor
Learn how self-advocacy, preparation, and collaboration with doctors can empower women to gn control over their health and lead fuller lives, free from stigma and shame.
In an interview for Contemporary OBGYN, Susan LePlae Miller, founder of Pieces of I, shared her journey in advocating for improved health care communication and empowerment, particularly in women's health and breast cancer.
With a career spanning four years and five months in the field of women’s health education, Miller has been dedicated to equipping women with knowledge to take charge of their health through better-informed conversations with healthcare providers.
A central theme was the emphasis on patients becoming active participants in their own health care journey. She highlighted that women, especially those experiencing menopause or dealing with breast cancer, should educate themselves about their conditions and symptoms by learning more from reliable sources. Through her work with My Density Matters, Miller empower women by providing resources and confidence for proactive involvement in their healthcare through collaborative efforts with doctors.
Miller underscored the significance of patients being prepared before appointments. She advised writing down symptoms and questions beforehand, ideally submitting them ahead of time via patient portals if possible. This ensures that important concerns are addressed, especially considering how busy medical professionals can be. The doctor-patient relationship should be seen as a partnership where the patient actively advocates for their health while the physician serves as part of the healthcare team.
Another crucial point was self-advocacy in monitoring health conditions. Miller drew parallels between managing one's health and financial management, like with a 401k or IRA account. Just as individuals must manage their investments, they should also stay on top of their health metrics. If an abnormal result is detected, it’s vital to understand what it means and seek additional testing if needed.
Miller shared her experience atting the North American Menopause Society's Annual Meeting where she met with colleagues from across the country. She talked about her work at The Women’s Institute for Sexual Health WISH, a place dedicated to sexual health services. During this event, Michael Krychman, MD, had an insightful conversation with her on how they support patients in overcoming trauma related to sexual health.
The importance of addressing trauma-related issues cannot be overstated as it can significantly impact a patient's overall well-being. By creating a safe space and being aware of potential triggers, healthcare professionals like Miller play pivotal roles in supporting their patients through such challenges.
In summary, empowering women through self-advocacy, proper preparation, collaborative efforts with healthcare providers, and proactive health monitoring are crucial steps towards leading healthier lives despite health issues like menopause or breast cancer. The role of advocates like Susan LePlae Miller highlights the importance of community involvement in promoting health literacy among patients.
The journey towards better healthcare communication begins by empowering women to take control of their own health journeys.
For more updates on women's health, including the latest research and advancements, stay tuned with us at Your Platform Name.
has been edited for clarity, conciseness, and improved flow while preserving the original intent and information provided by Susan LePlae Miller in her interview.
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